Alvin Ailey's Role In Modern Dance
explanatory Essay
1073 words
Alvin Ailey played a large role in the diversification and cultural storytelling that can be seen in modern dance today. With the founding of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, his dance company stands strong as one of the most respected and prosperous dance companies because of its artistic representation of the beauty that is otherwise known as the African culture. His work absolutely changed the atmosphere of modern dance because he was able to provide the modern dance community with a wider variety of content that had otherwise not been popularized before. Not only did he draw his inspiration from the African culture, but he also amalgamated this with his personal experience growing up as a black child during times of segregation. …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Explains that alvin ailey's american dance theater is one of the most respected and prosperous dance companies because of its artistic representation of african culture.
- Explains that alvin ailey was born during the great depression to two working-class parents in rogers, texas. his father abandoned the family when he was six months old, leaving him and his mother struggling to find work.
- Explains that alvin ailey's american dance theater company was widely successful because of its eloquent dance methodology and fine attention to detail in the thematic elements in each of his pieces.
- Explains that alvin ailey's work was the highest quality of entertainment and storytelling, and it bore a powerful educational and communicative influence. he received many prestigious awards for his work in the promotion of african american culture in dance.
Alvin was born during the Great Depression to two working class parents in Rogers, Texas. His father abandoned the family when Alvin was a mere six months old, leaving him and his mother with the struggle of fending for themselves. The inability for Alvin’s mother to find work led to their move to California in 1942, where Alvin was introduced by a classmate to the most influential person that would be the foundation for his future successful career in modern dance, Lester Horton (DeFrantz 1). Alvin was captivated by Lester’s work, which focuses on building a strong body, and made the executive decision to start his dance training in 1949 when he was eighteen years old. Because Lester Horton’s dance company embraced diversity, and accepted dancers of all ethnicities and backgrounds, Alvin was given the opportunity to do something great with his …show more content…
One of the first concerts ever produced by his company was titled Blues Suite, which was a well-received depiction of poverty in the deep south set to a soundtrack of blues music. This concert was an integral part in defining Alvin Ailey’s choreography technique, which is loosely based on the technique associated in ballet with strong legs and feet, while still maintaining a more evocative, modern-style torso. However, the most critical element that determined the specific style of each piece was solely dependent on the story he wanted to tell. Revelations was a magnificent showcase of storytelling that quickly became Alvin’s signature dance concert. He drew inspiration for this piece from his memories as a child growing up in the south. According to the Dance Heritage Coalition, the concert, which has been viewed by twenty-three million people worldwide, featured the sounds of negro spirituals and gospel music with depictions of common worship rituals including baptism in Wade in the Water, the sacred act of taking communion in I Wanna Be Ready, and prayer in I’ve Been Buked (1). Additionally, Alvin also focused a great deal of his energy into creating a dramatic atmosphere for his dancers to perform in. He had a very strong creative influence in
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- Danceanalytical essayAlvin Ailey, a dancer born in 1931, founded what is known today as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Born in Texas, Ailey faced intense racism and discrimination growing up. As a result he strove to created a multi-racial company where dancers were judged upon ability and not their race or background. This was groundbreaking since at the time racism led to limited opportunities for African American dancers. At 22 Ailey joined the Horton dance company where he would eventually become the artistic director after Horton’s passing. Ailey founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958. Popularizing modern dance, Ailey became known throughout the world as he traveled internationally with his dance company. Emphasizing the theatricality of dance, Ailey utilized intricate costumes, stunning lighting displays and makeup in his performances. The style of Ailey’s choreography incorporates aligned ballet legs with a more loose, “modern” torso. Ailey choreographed 79 pieces for the company before his death in December of 1989, one of the most acclaimed being Revelations. Revelations was created by Ailey in 1960 and brought fame to the company. The highly acclaimed piece is still preformed today by the company’s dancers. Ailey died of AIDS in 1989 after choreographing countless pieces for his own company and others such as the American Ballet Theater.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that alvin ailey, a dancer born in 1931, founded what is known today as the american dance theater. he faced intense racism and discrimination growing up.
- Explains that ronald k. brown, ulysses dove, and aszure barton created pieces for the ailey dance company.
- Describes four corners as an intriguing piece with great costumes and choreography.
- Analyzes the storyline of episodes, which was about the conflict between man and women and the search for power.
- Analyzes how lift exhibited the pure physical strength and stamina of each of the dancers in the alvin ailey company and their perfect synchronization.
- Opines that attending the alvin ailey performance affected them greatly as a dancer. they were impressed by the passion and unbreakable focus of each performer.
991 wordsRead More - Summary Of Alvin Ailey's Revelations?analytical essayRevelations is a contemporary style dance that tells the story of African-American faith and tenacity from slavery to freedom through a suite of dances set to spirituals and blues music.This choreographic work was first performed in New York City on January 31,1960 at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and later recognized to be a signature piece for the theater. Alvin Ailey is the original choreographer of the masterpiece titled “Revelations” and also the founder of the dance theater where the piece Revelations is mainly showcased, Ailey was an African-American born January 5,1931 in Rogers, TX , only 29 when he decided to develop this dance piece. There was a time where opportunities for male dancers like himself was severely limited, so that 's when he decided to establish his work, this dance performance was Ailey 's idea for African Americans to express their talents,cultural history, and experience and was also encouraged by his memories of living in the south and his understanding of human development.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that revelations is a contemporary style dance that tells the story of african-american faith and tenacity from slavery to freedom through dances set to spirituals and blues music.
- Analyzes how ailey's style of dancing focuses more on the african american theme so the audience can take away a detailed visual of the hardships that african americans had to face.
- Analyzes how ailey's "pilgrim of sorrow" is about slavery and becoming free. it shows poverty,darkness, and hopelessness.
- Explains that the second part of this section, which starts with three dancers dressed in the same costume, is more joyful and exciting. in the third part, with a male and women, the music changes from upbeat to worshiping.
- Analyzes how "take me to the water" depicts the scheme of baptism and how the slaves are being saved by being set free from their slave masters.
- Analyzes how the last section of the performance is the part where the african american slaves are set completely free.
- Analyzes how alvin ailey's breathtaking piece "revelations" shows the entirety of the "african american experience" and uses traditional african american blues, work songs, and spirituals as his musical inspiration.
1189 wordsRead More - Analysis Of Alvin Aileyanalytical essayAs the first African-American to create a multicultural, international concert dance company, Alvin Ailey’s dance company has been dubbed the “cultural ambassador of the world” (Gorman 36). Through his Alvin Ailey Dance Company, he addressed the racism and injustice faced by ethnic minorities across the globe. Ailey clearly revolutionized African American participation in 20th century concert dance as well as revived interest in modern dance. As an extremely talented dancer and choreographer, Ailey’s success is attributed to his dedication and passion for expression through dance, but what is often overlooked is his resilience to the hardships he faced, the mentors he had, and the opportunities
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how horton supported alvin in his struggle with another hardship. he pioneered a school and company of gay, lesbian and straight dancers from ethnic backgrounds who executed innovative choreography at concerts.
- Explains that the alvin ailey american dance theater was founded in 1958 as a black-only company. his multiracial troupe was revolutionary to african-american dance in the 20th century.
- Explains how ailey drew on his life experiences and oppression to create passionate, emotional and moving pieces, both for the dancers and the audience.
- Explains that resilience is a trait displayed by everyone to various degrees and requires time, effort, and personal improvement to further develop one's skill set.
- Explains that alvin ailey american dance theater celebrated its 50th anniversary on april 7th, 2008. he revolutionized the style and techniques of modern dance and revived its popularity.
- Analyzes how alvin ailey, the first african-american to create a multicultural, international concert dance company, addressed racism and injustice faced by ethnic minorities across the globe.
- Describes how ailey began studying at horton's studio in 1951 and joined the company in 1953. he studied painting, acting, music, set design, costuming, and choreography.
- Analyzes how ailey's revolutionary dance technique pushed dancers to maintain the long, unbroken leg lines of ballet, while preforming dramatic expressive movements of the upper torso of modern dance.
- Explains that alvin ailey american dance theater brought its philosophies of cultural acceptance and equality to the further reaches of the global when it became the first black dance company to be sent aboard by the kennedy administration’s international exchange program.
2627 wordsRead More - Alvin Aileyexplanatory essayAfter Lester Horton's death (Ailey's choreographer), Ailey became the director of Horton's dance studio, but in 1958, Ailey founded his own studio and named it, "The Alvin Ailey Dance Company." The purpose of this dance company is "to enrich American modern dance heritage and preserving the uniqueness of black cultural expression" (Willinger 1). The big break for Ailey's dance company was the dance Revalations. which people from all over loved. Since the start of the Dance Company "the Dance Theater has performed for and estimated 19,000,000 people in forty-eight countries and on six continents, earning the Company a reputation as one of the most popular international ambassadors of American Culture." ( Alvin Ailey Dance Company 7).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that alvin ailey was born in 1931 in rogers, texas, and attended sunday school and church at the baptist young peoples union. the ballet inspired him to pursue a career in dancing.
- Explains that ailey's dance company was founded in 1958 to enrich american modern dance heritage and preserve the uniqueness of black cultural expression.
- Explains that ailey was a leading figure in modern dance, whose dances reflected his black southern heritage and are set to jazz or gospel music.
- Narrates how jamison worked to keep alvin ailey's dream alive, by keeping it going to this very day. denise jefferson trains over 3,500 dance students annually from every part of the world.
398 wordsRead More - Modern Dance: The Different Forms Of Danceexplanatory essayEven though dance first originated back in the 20th century when dancer Isadora Duncan broke away from the strict rules of ballet to create her own more natural form of dance. Through time and experimentation, many genres of dance has surfaced - whether from oppression or for theatrical purposes, each one has captured the eyes of it 's audience. From flashy, sequined clothes to light and flowy dresses; each form of dance has it 's own representation. As well as representation, each genre of dance has powerful emotion in it. These popular forms of dance can be classified into three categories: the pounding and rhythmic beats of Hip-hop, the powerful meanings of modern dance, and the wonderful elegance of ballet, the most thought-out.Everyone has watched in amazement as their high school dance
In this essay, the author
- Explains that dance originated in the 20th century when dancer isadora duncan broke away from the strict rules of ballet to create her own more natural form of dance.
- Explains that modern dance allows a dancer to connect with the natural senses around them by telling the story of something that greatly impacted them.
- Explains that ballet captures the attentions of passionate viewers and new viewers. ballet involves each dancer in special footwear called pointe shoes. each company, or dance studio, has a strong female lead.
- Opines that dance plays a huge role in every one's lives, from teenagers learning to fit in with the popular group to someone’s profession of choice.
733 wordsRead More - How Isadora Duncan Revolutionized Danceexplanatory essayIsadora Duncan was considered a very important person in the history of dance. She revolutionized dance as a whole from her childhood onwards. Isadora was born on May 27, 1878 in San Francisco California, Where she also grew up, with her mother and three siblings. When Isadora was six, she and her sister Elizabeth began to teach children in their neighbourhood movements, this was the beginning of Isadora’s career as a dance teacher and is what began everything. As she grew older, the classes of children who she taught began to grow and become much larger as the years went on. At the age of 10 Isadora and her sister decided to leave school so they could make an income for their family with teaching. Isadora’s mother adored the arts as she
In this essay, the author
- Describes how isadora duncan revolutionized dance as a whole from her childhood onwards.
- Describes how isadora moved on to bigger things in life, all revolving around dance. she became a registered dance teacher in oakland directory and in langley’s san francisco city directory in 1894.
- Explains that isadora moved to france in 1900 to move onto greater things across europe. she started a new type of dance that was more natural and free flowing with the body inspired by her studies of greek statues and greek goddesses.
- Explains that isadore didn't believe in marriage as she was an early feminist. she had two children out of wedlock with two different men, but fell in love and was married to sergei yesenin.
- Explains that isadora made many contributions to dance, starting teaching locally at the age of six. she went against the set view of ballet and started the style of more natural, modern dance.
393 wordsRead More - Merce Cunningham Dance Summaryexplanatory essayMerce Cunningham was known as a “leader of the American avant-garde whose constant innovation and artistic collaborations expanded the frontiers not only of dance, but also of contemporary visual and performing arts”. His passion and drive to succeed and push boundaries of dance and technology helped him throughout his career and in the building of his own dance establishment, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. He also worked closely with the composer John Cage, where together they created different, new music. He was one of the most daring choreographers of his time regarding the exploration of technology in dance. He had begun to look into dance film in the 70’s, and further started to choreograph new dances using a computer program named ‘Dance Forms’. He also further created a webcast series where the public were able to view his teaching in the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, and could essentially sit in on the rehearsals
In this essay, the author
- Describes merce cunningham as a "leader of the american avant-garde whose constant innovation and artistic collaborations expanded the frontiers not only of dance, but also of contemporary visual and performing arts."
- Explains how technology helped merce cunningham communicate his ideas to the audience through technology development. technology unlocked a whole new dimension to dance.
- Explains that merce cunningham's use of the program dance form allowed him to choreograph an initial sketch for the choreographers' soon to be dance piece.
- Explains that dance and technology were his webcasts that communicated his ideas to the audience. this meant a closer relationship between him and his fans/audience, and everyone was allowed access to his rehearsals.
516 wordsRead More - The New Dance And The History Of Danceanalytical essayNew Dance is described as a developing art form; this dance was articulated in the early 20th century. According to Chapter 8 in History of Dance book, “the new dance emerged as a response to the ballet that populated the variety shows and music halls, which had a rigid formula of steps and poses” (Kassing). The New Dance was a product of several strands that interlaced together dancers’ studies and backgrounds; these strands and others were woven together in a historical, political, and societal framework. For instance, one strand of New Dance consisted of the concepts, techniques, costumes, and stage settings from around the world. These strands influenced major dancers and choreographers, such as, Isadora Duncan, Loie Fuller, Ruth St. Denis, and Ted Shawn.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that new dance emerged as a response to the ballet that populated the variety shows and music halls. it was influenced by concepts, techniques, costumes, and stage settings from around the world.
- Explains that isadora duncan, a dancer and choreographer of the 20th century, wanted her dances to be authentic and to tell stories.
- Describes ruth st. denis as a dancer and choreographer of the 20th century who altered her wardrobe and brought to america middle eastern and asian dance.
- Analyzes how st. denis' theatrical appeal came from her ability to provide sophisticated yet popular entertainment to vast audiences. her presentation quality and the combination of religious mysticism and her desire to bring dance to the american people made her successful.
- Analyzes how ruth st. denis presented a religious view of the values of her art of dancing. she entertained people and taught them history through art.
- Explains that ted shawn and his men dancers toured the united states and established jacob's pillow on his property in lee, which became an internationally known dance center.
- Explains that ted shawn's main purpose was to bring to light the male dancers during the 20th century; he wanted to inform the audience that males could also tell a story without having females on stage.
- Explains that other dancers and choreographers of the 20th century new dance relied on visuals, such as loie fuller.
- Compares fuller to isadora duncan, who was a realist. she used fabric and light as design elements, experimenting and expanding her repertory of special effects.
- Explains that loie fuller contributed to the new dance as a freelance to dance. it was an individual dance created with authenticity and imagination filled with knowledge and understanding.
964 wordsRead More - Isadora Duncananalytical essayThe fine art of modern dance is like many other fields in that it is based on the actions and deeds of those who were pioneers in the field. These pioneers helped to mold modern dance into what it is today. Of the many people who are partially responsible for this accomplishment is Isadora Duncan. Duncan, often referred to as the “mother of modern dance,” inspired many other dancers to the extent that the art of dance would not be the same today without her many contributions.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the fine art of modern dance is like many other fields in that it is based on the actions and deeds of those who were pioneers in the field. isadora duncan is partly responsible for this accomplishment.
- Explains that isadora duncan, a feminist, was raised alongside three siblings by her mother alone. she fought against the many restrictions placed on women in her personal life and dance.
- Analyzes how isadora, a feminist, revolutionized dance by introducing an improvisational, emotion-driven form that gave birth to an american style of dance.
412 wordsRead More - Dance In American Cultureanalytical essayDance, like any other art form, is constantly evolving. Its roots are planted in every place in the world. America can thank several countries for creating what the dance industry is today. Since America is a melting pot, it has blended movements from all over the world. This country accepts all cultures and invites new art. Textbooks do not expand on the importance of dance, but it not only played a role in early American society, but todays as well.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that dance, like any other art form, is constantly evolving and its roots are planted in every place in the world. america is a melting pot and accepts all cultures and invites new art.
- Explains that dance has been a continuing art form in american culture since the early 18th century.
- Explains that assemblies and balls were held in big cities like fredericksburg, williamsburg, norfolk, alexandria, and winchester.
- Explains the virginia reel, a popular country dance in the 18th century, which was later published by sir roger de coverley.
- Explains how the cotillion became popular in america. it was similar to a square dance and was made for four couples.
- Analyzes how george washington thought that congress and the wealthy were hypocrites and waste money on extravagant parties and balls. the minuet is a light, graceful, and effortless looking dance.
- Explains that the cotillion program is a modern twist on the southern tradition. it helps juniors learn everyday manners, formal manner, character education, electronic etiquette, and dance.
1492 wordsRead More